2016 budget gets unanimous OK from Schenectady County board

PHOTOGRAPHER: Ned Campbell

Share on Facebook

Save

The county’s $307.85 million budget for 2016 was approved without amendment or objection Wednesday night.

The Legislature’s unanimous vote capped a 20-minute special meeting in which lawmakers lauded the proposal, which increases the property tax levy by 1.41 percent.

The tax increase, which amounts to $15.68 for a home valued at the county median of $153,000, would be offset, however, because it’s within the state tax cap of 1.43 percent. STAR-eligible homeowners will receive a rebate check from the state in the amount of the increase next year.

“It might be the first time we haven’t amended something,” said Gary Hughes, the Legislature’s Democratic majority leader. “I think [County Manager Kathleen Rooney] and her team and department heads realized that Democrats and Republicans and Conservatives alike on this body are committed to real fiscal discipline.”

After the meeting, Republican minority leader Jim Buhrmaster said he didn’t present any amendments because the budget was responsible and fair.

“It’s clearly responsible,” he said.

In order for taxpayers to be eligible for the rebate, the county’s intergovernmental efficiency plan also needed state approval. Legislators announced Wednesday night the state had signed off on the plan earlier in the day.